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Recent Blog Posts
What Uber’s Fatal Accident Report Left Out
In November 2019, Uber released its long-awaited U.S. Safety Report detailing accident numbers between 2017-2018. As Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote on the company's website back in April 2018, "We've put safety at the heart of everything we do." Part of this new commitment to safety involved releasing an entire document breaking down injury numbers that previously remained very obscure.
While many were thrilled at this level of transparency, some were disappointed in what Uber chose to exclude from the report.
Uber's Fatal Crash Numbers
The report did show the number of fatal accidents involving its drivers. Uber took its internal reports of crashes, generated by drivers, riders, or insurance companies, and compared it to the national Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a database that tracks all automotive deaths in the U.S.
Breaking Down Uber and Lyft Accident Liability
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft accidents can be much more complex than normal accidents. Depending on the situation, the rideshare driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or the company they drive for may be held liable for damages.
In the infographic below, we break down three scenarios that can impact liability in the event of a ridesharing accident:
If you or a loved one is injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, turn to our Fairfax and D.C. ridesharing accident attorneys for legal representation. We will help determine what parties are liable for your damages and fight hard for your financial recovery.
Contact Shevlin Smith at 703-591-0067 to schedule your free case review.
Tips for Safely Driving Next to a Big Truck
Driving next to any big truck, such as a semi, big rig, or tractor-trailer, can be a scary experience. Even more, doing so could be more dangerous than driving next to a regular-sized vehicle. Truck drivers typically have larger blind spots, have a more difficult time maneuvering, and can take longer to stop than most other vehicles.
Because of this, we want to provide some tips to help other drivers on the road stay safe when driving next to big trucks.
Avoid Blind Spots
Because big trucks are naturally much larger and longer than normal vehicles, truck drivers must deal with more blind spot areas. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers take the extra precautions to avoid colliding with vehicles in these areas.
With this in mind, other drivers on the road should try to avoid riding for too long in areas where truck drivers can't easily see them. Some blind spots to avoid when driving around a big truck include:
One lane wide on the driver's side, extending back to about half the length of the trailer
What Requirements Do Truck Drivers Need? It May Not Be Enough
All truckers must go through certain requirements in order to drive the semis and big rigs that we see on the road every day. Many would probably assume that drivers must go through extensive training and meet heavy requirements to operate vehicles of such massive size. However, these may not be enough to prevent many truck accidents that are caused by driver error.
Truck Driver Requirements
Before becoming a truck driver, individuals must go through processes and meet certain requirements:
1. Obtain a CDL
Potential truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from their state of residence. This step by itself has many parts to it and each state has different requirements. To start the process of obtaining a CDL, one must first:
Have a non-commercial driver's license
Obtain a Commercial Driver's permit
Undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam
FedEx vs. UPS Accidents: Breaking Down the Numbers
Driving next to a big truck can be scary and more dangerous than driving next to a regular vehicle. If you ever find yourself driving next to any sort of commercial truck, keep in mind that accidents may be more common than you may think.
Here are some statistics comparing UPS and FexEx accidents:
These numbers show a few things: while there are still more UPS accidents than FedEx accidents, the number of FedEx accidents has skyrocketed over the past few years.
While you can't always prevent accidents due to the negligence of truck drivers or their employers, you can drive defensively to avoid collisions by following a few key steps:
Stay focused and alert
Do not depend on other drivers
Keep your speed down
Have an escape route
If you or a loved one is injured in a commercial truck accident, contact Shevlin Smith at 703-591-0067 for fierce and experienced legal advocates that you can rely on.
What Are the Most Dangerous Trucking Companies?
When traveling on any major highway, you probably won't get far before seeing some sort of big truck. These massive vehicles deliver products and packages across the country and contribute a large part to the country's economy.
Unfortunately, these vehicles can also cause devastating accidents. While they aren't as common as typical auto accidents, truck collisions commonly cause severe injuries to multiple parties. It's important to note that not all trucking companies are the same; in fact, some may be more dangerous than others.
The Most Unsafe Trucking Companies
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) collects yearly data on commercial trucking accidents. Looking at these numbers, we were able to identify the top three more dangerous trucking companies by calculating which had the most collisions per 10,000 miles. They are ranked as followed:
Amazon Prime May Result in More Commercial Truck Accidents
Many of us are familiar with Amazon Prime - order a package on Amazon and expect it within the next few days. Have you ever wondered how they get it to you so quickly? The answer may come at a human cost.
Shipping Gets Faster, Accident Numbers Grow
Last month, an op-ed article co-published by the New York Times and ProPublica recalled the tragic story of 9-month-old Gabrielle from Maine. In January, an Amazon delivery driver backed a 26-foot box truck into the back of the girl's mother's jeep, killing Gabrielle in the backseat.
ProPublica's investigation into the underlying cause of the matter showed that there have actually been more than 60 Amazon delivery-related accidents since June 2015, including 10 deaths. However, that number is most likely only a small percentage of the actual number of accidents that have occurred.
New California Law Could Change the Game for Uber Accident Liability
In September, California passed a landmark law that will make it much more difficult to categorize certain workers as independent contractors. Essentially, independent contractors are workers who work on "gigs" and do not get employee benefits (such as overtime, time off, parental leave, etc.). California's Assembly Bill 5, however, will require more companies to treat workers as full-fledged employees.
Uber is one of the biggest companies that may have to reclassify workers in adherence to this bill. This means that thousands of drivers could become employees and earn a minimum wage, overtime pay, healthcare, and general basic labor rights. In addition, this change may mean that the company could be on the hook for more ridesharing accidents.
Here's What to Do When Your Uber or Lyft Driver Is Driving Under the Influence
You and your friends decide to end your late night and go back home after having a few drinks. You did not drive because you knew you would be consuming alcoholic beverages. Luckily, Uber and Lyft exist, making finding a way home as simple as hitting a button on your phone. Your driver arrives at your designated location and takes you and your friends home safely.
This scenario is often a typical and ideal Uber and Lyft ride. Many individuals use Uber and Lyft as a means to avoid drinking and driving or getting a DUI. Unfortunately, in some instances, the driver is the one doing exactly that.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most reckless things that a driver can do. It can make it even worse when a driver puts other people's lives at risk who are in the vehicle with them. If you are ever in a situation in which your Uber or Lyft driver is driving under the influence with you in the car, make sure you take the steps necessary to ensure your immediate safety and protect your legal rights later on.
Staying Safe While Using Rideshares like Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft vehicles help individuals across the country in various ways. Many use these vehicles to get around town, commute to work, or get home safely after a night of drinking.
While there are numerous benefits to using rideshare vehicles, the unfortunate reality is that we don't know exactly whose car we may be getting into. In recent months especially, there have been more and more news reports of riders who become victims of crimes by their own Uber and Lyft drivers.
Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to pass background checks which attempt to disqualify drivers who could possibly be a danger to both other drivers on the road and passengers. In most jurisdictions, however, the crimes that can disqualify potential drivers are not taken into consideration after 7 years.
By sharing the following tips, we hope that others can avoid dangerous situations and ensure their safety and the safety of those with them.
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From our office in Fairfax, Shevlin Smith, P.C. serves clients throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Dale City, Fair Oaks, Leesburg, Manassas, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, and Woodbridge, as well as Fairfax County, Arlington County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County.
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